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February 15, 2006 Report – Part 1 of 6
7:00 pm (actual start at 7:02 pm)
Location: Hamilton City Hall, Council Chambers
(In Camera @ 9:17 pm; Out of Camera @ 9:37 pm)
(adjourned @ 9:38 pm)
Members of Council :
- Mayor Larry DiIANNI (present) in 7:02 pm, out 7:30 pm; in 8:45 pm
- Ward # 1 Brian M cHATTIE (present) in 6:58 pm
- Ward # 2 Bob BRATINA (present) in 6:54 pm
- Ward # 3 Bernie MORELLI (present) in 6:58 pm, out 8:43 pm
- Ward # 4 Sam MERULLA (present) in 6:58 pm
- Ward # 5 Chad COLLINS (present) in 6:58 pm, out 8:25 pm; in 8:26 pm
- Ward # 6 Tom JACKSON (present) in 7:15 pm, out 9:00 pm; in 9:02 pm
- Ward # 7 Bill KELLY (present) in 7:00 pm
- Ward # 8 Terry WHITEHEAD (absent - vacation)
- Ward # 9 Phil BRUCKLER (present) in 6:58 pm
- Ward #10 Maria PEARSON (present) in 6:58 pm
- Ward #11 David L. MITCHELL (present) in 6:58 pm
- Ward #12 Murray FERGUSON (absent - illness)
- Ward #13 Art SAMSON (present) in 7:01 pm
- Ward #14 Dave BRADEN (present) in 6:58 pm
- Ward #15 Margaret McCARTHY (present) in 6:58 pm
(Note: There were other in/out times. But, I didn't get them down, sorry.)
Members of Staff
- Peter Barkwell - City Solicitor
- Rose Caterini - Deputy Clerk/Manager of Legislative Services & Records
- Kevin Christenson - City Clerk
- Lee Ann Coveyduck - General Manager, Planning and Development
- Beth Goodger - Director, Waste Management
- Catherine Graham - General Manager, Human Resources
- Mario Joannette - Executive Assistant to the Mayor
- Jim Kay - General Manager, Emergency Services / Fire Chief
- Glen Peace - City Manager
- Joe-Anne Priel - General Manager, Public Health and Community Services
- Joe Rinaldo - General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services
- Scott Stewart - General Manager, Public Works
- Irene Sturgeon - Legislative Assistant, City Clerk's Office
Members of the Media present :
- Cable 14
- Doug Cameron - K-Lite FM
- Andrew Dreschel - Hamilton Spectator
- Matt Jelly - Independent
- Ken Mann - CHML
- Nicole MacIntyre - Hamilton Spectator
- Kelly Noseworthy - CH TV
- Kevin Werner - Brabant Newspapers
COUNCIL AGENDA
Call to Order:
Mayor DiIanni : "Good evening Members of Council, members of the audience. I'd like to call this meeting of City Council to order and ask that you remain standing for the National Anthem, please."
National Anthem
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you very much, please be seated."
Prayer
Mayor DiIanni : "I would like to welcome Reverend Allan Gallant of West Highland Baptist Church (http://www.westhighland.org/index.php?
option=com_content&task=view&id=413&Itemid=91)
in Hamilton to this evening's meeting."
"Reverend Gallant was born and raised in Cape Breton , Nova Scotia . He's a graduate of the New Brunswick Bible Institute and, was ordained in 1990 by the Faith Baptist Church in Sydney Nova Scotia. In July, 2000, he came to West Highland Baptist Church in Hamilton to serve as the Senior Associate Pastor."
"Reverend Gallant and his wife, Bonnie, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of 5 children, ranging in age from 12 to 20. Reverend Gallant tells me that among other things, he has grown to really love the City of Hamilton ."
"Welcome, Reverend Gallant. And, would you please lead us in prayer."
The Reverend Allan Gallant : "Thank you, Mayor DiIanni. And, thank you, Council men and ladies. Let me lead you in prayer. But, before I do, I just want to encourage you, as you govern our city, know that there are many people who pray for you; and, pray for the Mayor of this city."
"As the Mayor indicated, I am a proud person to live here in this great city. And, it's a privilege to be here. So, thank you for letting me come. Let me lead you in prayer, this evening."
"Father, God, we come before You. And Lord, we recognize that You are the God of this universe. You are a sovereign God - meaning, that You rule over all."
"The Scriptures tell us much about You. And so, we don't have to guess about who You are or what You do. The Word of God indicates it very clearly that You are the God Almighty."
"And so, we look to You, tonight. And, as we - or, as these men and women deal with issues of this great city, we pray that You would give them much discernment and great wisdom. We know that wisdom does come from You."
"And so, Lord, I'd just ask that You would continue to Bless this city. May Your Grace flow greatly upon each of these men and women who lead well."
"And so, I ask Your Blessing; and thank You. And I pray this, in Jesus Name. Amen."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you, again, Reverend Gallant."
1. Approval of Agenda
(Kelly / Collins - CARRIED as Amended)
Mayor DiIanni : "Mr. Clerk, are there any changes to the Agenda?
Kevin Christenson - City Clerk : "Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor."
"We have 3 added items of Communication tonight . " (City Clerk goes on to indicate the various changes - listed below)
5.11 E-mail from Joanna Chapman requesting that the Compliance Audit Report/Addendum, submitted by Ken Froese of LECG, be referred to Committee of the Whole to allow Ms. Chapman the opportunity to address Council
(http://www.myhamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7238F261-16E2-4CFC
-9F89-BAEDCE48B22E/0/Feb15Item511.pdf )
Recommendation: For the consideration of Council
5.12 Release from Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) respecting Palestinian Municipal Management Project Phase II - Call for Expression of Interest
(http://www.myhamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/A04E0114-0917
-4605-81CD-07CA0449FB5B/0/Feb15Item512.pdf )
Recommendation: That Council support the initiative of FCM to assist in the implementation of the second phase of the Palestinian Municipal Management project which supports development and peace initiatives that improve the quality of life of citizens and achieve sustainable development in the Palestinian municipalities;
That any senior staff who wish to participate in the initiative do so by utilizing vacation time.
5.13 Additional correspondence from Joanna Chapman, addressing various issues respecting the Compliance Audit materials
Recommendation: Be received
"As well, we have 2 added Private and Confidential Items ." (City Clerk goes on to indicate the various changes - listed below)
10.1 Labour Relations Matter
10.2 Matter respecting an identifiable individual
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you, very much, Mr. Clerk. Members of Council, I need a verbal Motion to approve the Agenda, as amended. Councillor Kelly; Councillor Collins. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried. Thank you."
2. Declaration of Interest
Mayor DiIanni : "Members of Council, are there any declarations of interest?" (hear none from Councillors)
"I will be declaring interest when the whole issue of the audit comes up."
(Mayor welcomes back Ward 3 Councillor Bernie Morelli)
"And, Members of Council, before we start with Ceremonial Activities, I don't think we should let another second go by without welcoming back to our Council, this evening, none other than Councillor Bernie Morelli of Ward 3 - Councillor Morelli." (hear applause from Council and gallery)
Morelli : "Mr. Mayor, if I could be allowed just to say a few words. I'd like to just take this opportunity to thank a number of people and my constituents, first of all. And, certainly staff and the CMT [Corporate Management Team] group, my colleagues and yourself; and in particular, all my many friends who are very much - and well-wishers - who are very supportive through my recent experience."
"I'd like to particularly thank Councillors Sam Merulla, Chad [Collins], and Tom Jackson, and Chief Mullan who stuck right beside me."
"And, I can tell you that, I'm slowly getting back. And, I'm not up to total speed. In fact, I hope the doctors aren't watching, tonight. But, I'm tired of doing crossword puzzles." (hear giggles from Council and gallery) "And, I apologize for missing many of the Christmas events."
"As you know, my office never really did miss a beat. And, I really want to salute my good Administrative Assistant, Donna Dengis, along with the support, again, of my colleagues - and certainly, with a little bit of 'cheating' by myself." (hear a few more giggles) "So, we're only behind in our appointments and visits to residences. But, we'll get caught up there."
"And again, I'm slowly getting back. And, I'm looking forward to doing more."
"I should tell you, that these were very much uncharted waters for me. And certainly, challenging to say the least. I can assure everyone that 'an apple a day' didn't work for me. And, that staff - we should be very proud of our - the staff and the doctors of St. Joseph 's Hospital that took great care of me."
"And then, finally, I would just like to say a great big thanks to my family - both yourselves as well as my immediate family, who really did put up with me - and continue to do so, as I move forward."
"So, thanks, again to everyone. And, I'm really - I was told tonight, that I was missed by some and - by many, actually - and, I want you to know, that I missed you guys, too."
"I want to take this opportunity to also tell you that I'm keeping up to speed with my good colleague, Murray Ferguson. And, I join with you all - and have been joining with you all, in the past - in my prayers, and for his speedy recovery. And, I know that he'll get there. But, it's just going to take some time."
"So, thanks, very much, too." (hear applause from Council and gallery)
Mayor DiIanni : "And Councillor Morelli, just want you to know that all of us really did miss you, and the community, as well. And, I just want to be able to tell Members of Council - but more importantly, the community - that, in fact, Councillor Morelli has been coming and doing work, a little bit at a time, over the last while."
"And, although this is the first Council meeting you've been back at, I know you've been at the Police Service's Board meeting and some ceremonial functions in the community, as well."
"So, we look forward to you getting back to full speed and great health over the next weeks and months."
"And, in terms of Councillor Ferguson, he was at City Hall - was it yesterday, or the day before - yesterday" (hear someone say something off microphone) " - the day before yesterday, as well. He was in his office. And, he's in touch with his Administrative Assistant every day - barks down orders. And, I said that I'd help him out in Ancaster. And, doing the best I can, there."
"But, Councillor Ferguson will get back to full health, I'm convinced, as well."
3. Ceremonial Activities
Mayor DiIanni : "Members of Council, we do have some Ceremonial Activities, this evening. And, a whole series of awards here. And, it looks as if February - and, was it December and January, as well, perhaps - have been Public Works months, in the City of Hamilton , as they've been racking up awards."
"And, I know I was talking to the Clerk, earlier this evening. He tells me that April is going to be the Clerk's Department's month" (hear giggles from Council and gallery) "getting all the awards. So, we look forward to that, Mr. Clerk."
" We have a number of awards this evening. And, it's my pleasure to, of course, announce that they're all bestowed on the Public Works Department."
3.1 Bruce Brunton Award for the 2005 Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) National Public Works Week
(http://www.opwa.ca/home.asp )
Mayor DiIanni : "And, the first is, the Bruce Brunton Award. And, I would ask that Chris Hill, Manager of Central Fleet, join me here at the podium, for the presentation. Chris." (hear someone say "the whole team" off microphone) "The whole - in fact, the whole team is coming. Okay." (Team makes way to podium)
"Well, welcome - and, I'm going to ask in a moment somebody to come and say a few words. But, let me just tell people what this is all about."
"I'm pleased that the City of Hamilton has been selected as this year's winner of the Bruce Brunton Award for the 2005 Ontario Public Works Association National Public Works Week."
"Public Works Week was held May the 15 th to the 21 st [2005] And, the City of Hamilton participated by hosting a variety of events through the City, showcasing the many services provided by the Public Works Department. Services - that, indeed, as the slogan says: 'bring our city to life.' "
"So, congratulations to the Committee who put together this award-winning program. And, I'd like to introduce them, this evening. The Committee members are: Cindy Slinn, from HSR - is Cindy here?" (Note: the following names I'm not sure if I spelled correctly. Sorry.) "Okay. Martin White, Katie Fernandes, Nello Violin, Tammy Cidonia, Ann-Marie Dipronio, Jim McCaulay, Don McKinnon, Peter Bromley, Chris Hill, of course, John Murray and Charlene Hans-Lawrie, Dennis Guy, Janet Vander Har, and Chris Murray."
"Congratulations. And, thank you, to all of you." (hear applause from Council and gallery)
Chris Murray - Acting Director - Red Hill Valley Project : First of all, as the Committee Chair, it was certainly a - it's always been my privilege to work with people who are both dedicated and extremely talented. And, this committee is certainly that."
"It's nice to be recognized - there's no question about it. The fact that the Public Works Association has honoured us with this presentation, I think, is important to - not only people in Public Works - but, I'm sure Council and the citizens of this community."
"So, we thank you for it. And, the trophy isn't quite as big as the Stanley Cup." (hear giggles from Council and gallery) "But, it's probably as close as we're going to get to it. So - " (hear more giggles)
(Mayor and Chris Murray the hold trophy up for pictures)
Mayor DiIanni : Look, eh. (hear more giggles from Council and gallery as well as applause)
"Thank you."
3.2 2005 OPWA Project of the Year Award in the Environment
Mayor DiIanni : "Our second award is the 2005 Ontario Public Works Association Project of the Year Award in the Environment. And, I would ask Beth Goodger, Craig Murdoch and Emil Prpic to join me at the podium."
"At it's February 2, 2006 Annual General meeting, the Ontario Public Works Association awarded the City of Hamilton with the 2005 OPWA Project of the Year Award in the Environment, $2 to $10 million category for the Mountain Community Recycling Centre."
(http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/
CityDepartments/PublicWorks/WasteManagement/WhatIsNew.htm )
"The Ontario Public Works Association Project of the Year Awards were established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects, by recognizing the alliance between: the management agency; the consultants; architects; engineers; and the contractors - who, working together, complete public works projects."
"The Mountain Community Recycling Centre [CRC] fulfills those criteria and more. The Community Recycling Centre initiative is a true partnership. It's a tremendous demonstration of teamwork that units that units private sector companies, such as G.S. Wark (http://www.wark.net/index2.htm) and Dillon Consulting http://www.dillon.ca/Locations/Canada/Overview.html); community organizations; City staff; municipal and provincial politicians; and residents across Hamilton - in a single goal. And, that is to divert more material from landfill, so that, indeed, we can reach our goal of 65% diversion by 2008."
"The Mountain CRC is very much a community initiative, too. The Re-Use Centre proceeds are reinvested in the community through Community Living Hamilton's (http://www.communitylivinghamilton.com/faq/faq_intro.html) programs that support individuals in our community who have intellectual disabilities. So, by using the Mountain CRC, residents across Hamilton are helping others in our community while helping our environment."
"I'd like to congratulate and acknowledge the leadership and hard work of General Manager of Public Works, Scott Stewart and his staff - particularly Beth Goodger, Craig Murdoch and Pat Parker, who were key in making the Community Recycling Centres a reality for Hamilton ."
"This dedicated group is well-deserving of the recognition of the auspicious Ontario Public Works Association Project of the Year Award in the Environment category - and, that's the longest introduction I've ever read." (hear giggles from Council and gallery) "Congratulations." (hear applause from Council and gallery; pictures were taken as well)
Beth Goodger - Director, Waste Management : "You've already heard enough about the Project. On behalf of the Waste Management Division, it's my honour to say thanks to Council and the community for your support in making this project a reality. We couldn't have done it without you. And, also, special recognition to Craig and Emil and their staff, who are now making this operational on a day to day basis."
"Thank you very much." (hear more applause from Council and gallery)
3.3 Award for outstanding leadership in organizing the 2006 Repair Our Air - Fleet Challenge
(http://www.repairourair.org/index.html)
Mayor DiIanni : "And, for our final presentation, I'm going to ask - or, for our next presentation, I guess. No, sorry, for our next award, I would ask Chris Hill, Manager of Central Fleet, to join me once again at the podium."
"And, as Chris is coming down, the City of Hamilton has received an award for Outstanding Leadership in organizing the 2006 Repair Our Air - Fleet Challenge. And, this is an annual program funded by the National Resources Canada with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of efficient fuel management programs."
"The 2005 Fleet Challenge focused on reducing engine idling in trucking, bus, utility and municipal fleets. The Fleet and Facilities Division of Public Works Department hosted the launch of the event in January, last September. And, the grand finale and awards ceremony on January 24 th , 2006."
"Over 70 people representing 25 organizations from right across Canada attended. Hamilton 's leadership in promoting better fleet management is recognized in this award. Congratulations Chris, and your staff." (hear applause from Council and gallery)
Chris Hill - Manager, Central Fleet : " Hamilton 's truly a great City in which to live. And, hopefully the Repair Our Air - Fleet Challenge is helping all of us remember to make it an even greater place to live, by turning off the engines in our cars and trucks when they're not needed for moving the vehicles forward."
"I'd like to thank everybody who assisted me in this. And, thank you, Your Worship, and Council, for presenting this award to me, tonight." (hear applause from Council and gallery)
3.4 Infraguide 2005 National Award of Excellence
(http://www.infraguide.ca/db/newsinfo.asp?itemtype
=100&item=3079&dataitemtype=)
Mayor DiIanni : "Now, our final presentation this evening. And, I'd like to ask: Jerry Davis, Director of Capital Planning & Implementation; John Murray, Manager of Asset Management; Rick Andoga, Senior Project Manager, Infrastructure; and Kevin Bainbridge, Project Manager, Sub-surface Assets to join me at the podium."
"Ladies and gentlemen, the City of Hamilton 's Capital Planning & Implementation Division of the Public Works Department, has developed a comprehensive State of the Infrastructure Report, as well as State of the Infrastructure Report Card for summary and communication purposes."
"This initiative has won Hamilton the 2005 Infraguide National Award of Excellence. Since the late 1990s, the City of Hamilton has been pro-active in the development of Asset Management Practices. And, has developed a reputation right across Canada and the US as one of the leading municipalities in this field."
"In December, 2004, the Capital Planning & Implementation Division decided to prepare a State of the Infrastructure Report that outlined the current status of specific assets, as well as a projection of the state of these assets in 2020 and 2050 should the status quo be maintained. And, it's good, sobering information - but, good information to have, so that we can do our planning. Congratulations on winning this award."
"And, before I ask Jerry to come up and receive the award, let me just add, personally, that I was in Ottawa when this award was presented at the Infraguide Session, which was part of a Sustainable City 's Conference that you presented at, Councillor McHattie."
"And, I can say to you, of all of the participants and, all of the entrants for this award, there was genuine recognition of the very good job that Hamilton is doing in not only understanding the assets we've got, but, planning for the replacement, repair and nurturing of those assets going forward."
"And, in fact, I attended the session when Jerry presented to a group of municipal managers and other folks from municipalities, right across Canada on asset management. And, I thought I was going to simply die having to listen to a 45 minute presentation on asset management. But, Jerry managed to hold people in the palm of his hands with the information presented. And, it was most interesting. And in fact, I suggested that Council should be made aware of that information."
"And, Jerry reminded me that, of course, that's why we had those sessions" (hear giggles from Council) "where we individually went at some of those meetings, so we were well aware of what was being managed by our department."
"So, we've got individuals who are indeed rated: 'Best in Class.' And, for that we congratulate you - Jerry and team." (hear applause from Council and gallery)
Jerry Davis - Director, Capital Planning & Implementation : "Just want to say thank you. Really, it's the people right here - John, Rick and Kevin - who have really made this work. They have the dedication to the program. And, then to the community and Council very much in buying into and understanding the strategic direction we have to take."
"It is a long term process. And, you know, through the infraguide we have been recognized by our peers across the country which is, you know, I think Chris Hill said it - it's great to live in Hamilton . And, we're doing a lot of great stuff. Thank you very much." (hear applause from Council and gallery)
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. Congratulations. Very good."
4. Minutes of the meeting of City Council held on:
4.1 December 19, 2005 (special meeting)
(Braden / Kelly - CARRIED)
Mayor DiIanni : "Members of Council, you now have before you, Communication Items 5.1 to 5.12. Prior to taking a Motion on these - " (hear someone say something off microphone) "Oh, sure. Let's do the Minutes. Why not." (hear giggles from Council and gallery)
"I need a verbal Motion to approve the Minutes. Councillor Braden and Councillor Kelly. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried. That's December 19 th ."
4.2 January 25, 2006
(Mitchell / Pearson - CARRIED)
Mayor DiIanni : "And, also a verbal Motion to approve the Minutes of January 25 th . Councillor Mitchell and Councillor Pearson. Thank you. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."
5. Communications
(McHattie / McCarthy - CARRIED as Amended)
(Please note: Communications Items are listed in this transcription in the order Council dealt with them at the meeting.)
Mayor DiIanni : "Now, on Communications, you have items 5.1 to 5.12. Prior to taking a Motion on these, you will note that items 5.8 to 5.11 require Council disposition. And, I'll be declaring an interest on items 5.10 and 5.11 and would ask that Deputy Mayor Sam Merulla to please assume the Chair for those items at that time."
"What is your pleasure on 5.8 - but, Councillor McCarthy, you have a comment."
REQUEST TO FRIENDLY AMEND - " 5.1
Petition submitted by Waterdown Parkside Drive East Citizen's
Group objecting to the Parkside Drive Expansion in NE Waterdown
(Dillon Option 4) (signed by 100 residents)
Recommendation: Be received and referred to the General Manager of Public Works for a report to the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee"
(CARRIED as Amended)
Amendment : to add "on February 20" to end of recommendation
(McCarthy / Pearson - CARRIED)
McCarthy : "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I've got a friendly amendment to Communication Item 5.1. And, at the end of the recommendation, I just wanted the inclusion to say, that it goes to Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee on February 20th "
Mayor DiIanni : "So, 5.1 is a petition from residents."
McCarthy : "That's right."
Mayor DiIanni : "And, the conclusion - so you can't amend the petition, what would you like to do?"
McCarthy : "The recommendation, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to include, at the very last line,"
Mayor DiIanni : "Perfect."
McCarthy : "The date, 'on February 20 th ' "
Mayor DiIanni : "Perfect. Thank you very much. And, a seconder for that? Councillor Pearson." (hear a glass clink) "On that issue?" (did not speak) "On that issue." All in favour? (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried. Thank you."
5.8 Resolution by the County of Brant respecting "Watertight:
The Case for Change in Ontario's Water and Wastewater Sector"
Recommendation: For the consideration of Council
(CARRIED as Consideration put)
Consideration put for Recommendation: to be referred to the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee
(McHattie / Jackson)
Mayor DiIanni : "Now to 5.8 from the County of Brant, respecting ' Watertight: The Case for Change in Ontario 's Water and Wastewater Sector.' What is your pleasure" (hear a glass clink) "on this item. Comments on that? Councillor McHattie."
McHattie : "Mr. Mayor, I believe we had a committee at one point - I think it was, perhaps, even the last term of Council - that was looking at issues in the Water and Wastewater sector. And, this report, I think, should be referred to that committee."
"But, I'm afraid I don't know the name of the committee - would look to Clerks for guidance. I believe Councillor Ferguson actually chaired that committee, as I recall. But, it was looking at these kind of issues. And, perhaps, this could be best referred to them."
"Or, if that's not active, perhaps through PWIE [Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee] and decide what to do at that point."
Mayor DiIanni : "Okay, do we know which committee Councillor Ferguson Chaired?"
Kevin Christenson - City Clerk : "I'm not sure right now, Mr. Mayor. But, I'll make sure it goes to the appropriate - "
Mayor DiIanni : " - why don't we send it to PWIE. And then, from there it can go it's right channel."
"Who Seconded that, then? Councillor Jackson. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried. Thank you."
5.9 Petition submitted by Governors Green Tenants Association
requesting a reduction in the ratio between multi-residential and
residential tax rates
Recommendation: For the consideration of Council.
(CARRIED as Amended Consideration put)
Consideration put for Recommendation: To be referred to the Budget Debate
(Samson)
Amended Consideration put for Recommendation (as friendly amended): To be referred to the General Manager of Finance and Corporate Services for a report to the Corporate Administration Committee.
(Collins) (Note from Transcriber: I'm not sure which committee Councillor Collins was referring this to for a report, but I thought it must be Corporate Administration, as they I think would deal with that issue. Please check City's website and minutes to confirm. Thank you.)
Mayor DiIanni : "5.9" (hear glass clink) "Petition submitted by Governors Green Tenants Association requesting a reduction in the ratio between multi-residential and residential taxes. And, Councillor Samson, first of all."
Samson : "Yes, your Worship. I'd like to have this referred to the Budget Debate."
Mayor DiIanni : "Okay. So, the recommendation is that this be forwarded to the Budget Debate. Any other comments?" (hear a glass clink) "Councillor Collins."
Collins : "Mr. Mayor, we had dealt with this, I think, 2 years ago. And, we had a brief summary in a report on multi-res taxes submitted to committee. I was hoping we could get a more in depth report on that sent to committee for debate, rather than, maybe, the Budget, which is - we probably only have a week or two weeks left, I think, to deal with the Budget. And so, I would think our staff might need some more time to gather whatever information is available."
"And, I think they're very valid concerns. And, I know Councillor Whitehead's been working on it for the last several months. He's had some community meetings on it. And, I'd really like to discuss this at committee, where we might look at options and alternatives. And, I'm afraid that dealing with it through the budget, as has been suggested, may not afford us the opportunity to do that."
Mayor DiIanni : "So, there's a longer term plan, here, Councillor Samson. I mean, your Motion, if you have a Seconder, I'll accept. But, the suggestion is a fuller debate at committee."
"And, nothing would stop you, at the Budget deliberations, from introducing some amendments there, as well, if you so desire."
"You okay with that, friendly amendment? All right. All in favour of that?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried." (hear a glass clink) "Councillor Kelly."
(Please note: Communications Items are listed in this transcription in the order Council dealt with them at the meeting.)
See Part #2
Starting with "Communications" Item 5.2 - "Correspondence from the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance respecting taxation system"
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